By the time the news broke on Friday that Klára Dobrev will face a single challenger, namely Péter Márki-Zay, in the second round of the primaries to choose the opposition prime ministerial candidate in next year’s elections, the weeklies were already on the newsstands. They could therefore not react to Gergely Karácsony’s withdrawal from the race, but most did comment on Márki–Zay’s surprisingly successful performance. READ MORE
A pro-government daily reads Gergely Karácsony’s decision to withdraw from the opposition primary as proof that he is a failed politician. A left-wing analyst lambasts him for releasing a string of contradictory statements. READ MORE
As the two mayors decide to run separately in the opposition primary run-off, a liberal commentator cautiously suggests that DK candidate Klára Dobrev might be the most promising opposition candidate for Prime Minister. READ MORE
Jobbik’s founder and former leader – now a political analyst – suggests that since the two mayors cannot run together for the title of opposition prime ministerial candidate in next year’s election, Márki-Zay should withdraw his nomination to let Karácsony win the opposition primary. READ MORE
A left-wing pundit is saddened by the accusations hurled at each other by the two sides, as the runner-up and the number three stand together to challenge the winner of the first round. READ MORE
As DK luminaries and Jobbik’s leader accuse the mayors of Budapest and Hódmezővásárhely of plotting to reverse the result of the first round of the opposition primary, a left-wing analyst points out that pacts are normal in a two-round election. A former pro-Jobbik commentator condemns Jobbik for allying itself with Ferenc Gyurcsány’s party. READ MORE
The weeklies ponder what kind of government will take shape after Chancellor Merkel, a key actor in German politics and international relations, leaves the scene after 16 years in office. They also try to weigh the potential consequences for German-Hungarian relations. READ MORE
Opinions diverge on the government’s policy on families as the Prime Minister and prominent international guests expressed concern about the future of the traditional family at the 4th international forum on demographic issues in Budapest. READ MORE
A left-wing commentator calls on opposition leaders to dissociate themselves from a statement by Jobbik leader Péter Jakab who threatened PM Orbán that he might find himself in prison and be raped by criminals there, in case the opposition wins next year’s election. READ MORE
A fact-finding journalist suggests that Hungary should follow Austria’s example and return to wearing face masks and keeping social distance, as the virus doesn’t stop at the national borders. READ MORE